With summer comes thunderstorms, and in certain parts of the country, hurricanes and tropical storms. You certainly need to have your home prepared for these storms, but you should also prepare your backyard pond for storms. A properly prepared pond may suffer some damage, but the damage will be minimal.

There are two things that will damage a pond in a storm. Runoff and flooding from the rain can alter the temperature and pH of the water, killing of plants and fish. A storm can also knock out your power, rendering your pumps and filters useless. If you take some precautions, however, your pond will weather a storm just fine.

Properly installing your pond will help with rain causing runoff into the pond. If you allow water to runoff from your yard into your pond, it could carry with it fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. When you build your pond, you should make sure that there is a raised lip around the edge of the pond to prevent water from running into it from the yard or garden.

The rain itself will also be falling into the pond, which can cause the pond to overflow. It will also alter the water temperature and pH, which can be stressful to the fish. If possible, place a tarp above the pond, allowing air to circulate, but at the same time, keeping the rain out of the pond. It is also a good idea to have a place for the pond to drain, just in case enough rain gets to it to cause an overflow. Just be sure you don’t direct the overflow to a place that can’t handle the water.

Power outages will prevent your pumps and filters from functioning, so you need to be sure that your pond can handle being without filtration for a while.

A properly stocked pond will be easier to maintain in case of a power outage. Too many fish will overwhelm the pond and make it much more difficult to maintain. If you know that a storm is coming, you should stop feeding them. Koi excrete the most ammonia after they eat. If everything is functioning, this isn’t a problem, but without filtration, the ammonia will build up. So, don’t feed them if you know a storm is coming. Koi can go for a week without food if necessary.

Be sure you have plenty of water treatment on hand to keep ammonia and other contaminants from building up in the pond. Ammo Lock and Amquel will help to control the ammonia levels.

Oxygenation is also an issue if the pump is not working. A car battery with an inverter can run an air pump and air stone for hours, adding much needed oxygen to the water. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to add oxygen to the water. 1/2 to 1 cup per 100 gallons of water should be sufficient. Put the peroxide into a squirt bottle, and squirt it under the water.

A storm can also damage your electrical equipment, even if it doesn’t knock out the power. Be sure that all of your equipment is protected by a GFCI, and well grounded with heavy gauge wire.

With a few precautions, you can prepare your pond for storms, minimizing the damage, and minimizing the stress on your fish, and on you.

Due to environmental degradation, natural wild ponds are fast disappearing forever at an alarming rate taking a heavy toll on the dependent animals and plants. By building a natural pond in your backyard garden, you can share your environmental responsibility and add lots of life with the conservation of plants and wildlife. You can add different species like pond skaters, frogs, dragonflies and turtles etc. You can design, build and maintain ponds exclusively meant for wildlife. The ponds become a safe haven for wildlife and bring a special appeal, tranquility and interest to your garden.

Build a natural pond as large as possible, as they are of great value to the wildlife. You can effectively combine light and shade in the pond. Provide various depths with gentle sloping shelves. A pond with an irregular shape will look like a very old natural pond. Protect the pond with two layers, one in the hole before the liner is laid and another on top. Fill the natural pond with the water directly from the tap. Occasionally, remove excess weeds and unwanted plants to clear the pond and give enough space to the plants. Avoid weeding eggs during the beginning of the year which is the breeding time for amphibians and invertebrates.

The objective of creating a natural pond is to become one with the nature. You can succeed in building a natural pond only when you can maintain better ecological balance. When you achieve an ecological balance, you don’t need to even feed the fish in the pond. Build a shallow natural pond with smooth curves, but without great depth.

Natural ponds offer educational and entertainment opportunities for your family and complete relaxation for you in the backyard of your home. When you become eco friendly and nature lover, you can make your natural pond, a place of tranquility with abundant flora and fauna.

A biological Koi pond filter saves precious Koi from themselves. Let’s face it, Koi eat like there’s no tomorrow. All that eating, in a garden pond environment, makes for a dynamic living, swimming, eating biological hazard machine. The mounting waste Koi produce amounts to rising levels of toxic compounds in the water, the most common being ammonia and nitrate. It’s not such a big deal when the levels of these toxins are kept under control. However, a spike in ammonia or nitrate levels in the pond water could kill your Koi. In the wild, this process is taken care of by either the sheer volume of water, and/or the current of moving water taking waste particles along with it. In a garden pond setting, we need to supply this process mechanically.

When entering the market for a Koi pond filter be sure to consider the fish first, not the price. If your Koi’s health is of importance to you, then you will want to take every measure to ensure their quality and longevity of life. Clean water is not only a key to their survival, but also a key to your peace of mind. Let’s face it; the cute little fishes need you. They are living beings that will depend on you to look after them for the life they spend in the pond environment you establish for them. Wow… how’s that for a reality check?

The Koi pond filter has much to do in continuously maintaining the cleanliness of the pond water. Consider the number of fish you are intending to keep in your pond, along with how large or small the pond is itself. Koi are voracious eaters, and in turn they produce a substantial amount of waste. Because of their avid appetites, Koi also have a tendency to grow very large and very fast depending on the circumstances. Facts such as these need to be understood when keeping Koi, especially if you plan on adding more fish to the pond at a later date. A solid, reliable biological Koi pond filter is a necessity, and should be looked upon as a predominant link in the lifeline you supply them.

It is a good idea to take your time in understanding pond filtration, as this will give you some insight into what your role will be in terms of pond filter maintenance and up keep. Explore your options with a specialist at your local pet store, or with a reputable Kio pond expert who will assist you in configuring the right pond filtration system for your specific requirements. As with many things, there are countless brands, makes and models of Koi pond filter to choose from. Getting your head around it all can seem quite daunting on the outset, especially when you will be factoring in what pond pump and other equipment to use along with the filter. However, getting your figures and information together before hand can help alleviate much of the uncertainty when deciding on which pond filter to go with. It can not be stated enough that cutting corners on filtering equipment up front could cost you dearly further down the road if you loose some or even all of your beautiful Koi fish. It is wise to agree that money and frustration are saved when you take pride in making the right decision on installing a Koi pond filter system right the first time. Yes, it costs a little more to buy the best… but aren’t they worth it?

Plants can add interest and beauty to your fish pond but did you know that they also are vital for maintaining healthy water quality which will help keep your pond clear and your fish healthy?

There are five different types of plants that you want to think about planting in and around your pond – floating plants, oxygenating plants, marginal plants, bog plants and deep water plants. These plants not only give your pond and authentic look but can also help keep the water oxygenated, cut down on algae growth, give your fish a place to hide as well as a place to spawn and can also provide food.

When adding plants to your fish pond you want to think about how large they will get and how fast they will grow. You don’t want to add plants that will totally overwhelm your pond or that will make a full-time job of cutting back their growth. You also want to be sure that the plant can survive winters in your area. Plants don’t have to be planted directly in the soil of your pond, you can set them in mesh pots or fabric pond pots which will allow the air to pass through but will also prohibit the soil from getting into your pond and turning it muddy.

To make your pond look its best and be it’s healthiest you need to select plants for each pond layer. These different plants perform different functions as described below.

Deep water plants like Lotus, Water Lilies and Water Hawthorne grow in the deep waters of the pond. These plants will help remove the waste from the pond and act as sort of a natural filtration. They need oxygen and sunlight to grow their best. You might consider using an aquatic fertilizer that is safe for ponds. The Lotus and Water Lilies prefer water that is 2 feet deep but the Hawthorne can grow in as little as three to 24 Inches.

Oxygenating plants provide important oxygen to the pond as well as help to control the growth of algae by eating the same nutrients and carbon dioxide that algae needs to grow. Oxygenating plants also can provide food for your fish and act as shelters and spawning areas. Some good oxygenating plants include Hornwort, Water Violet, Water Buttercup and Water Milfoil.

Floating plants look great in the pond and they also provide shade and shelter for the fish and other creatures that live there. Be warned, however, that many of the floating plants will grow quickly and soon take over your pond. This can not only be an eyesore but can also be bad for the pond itself as it prevents photosynthesis which will decrease the waters oxygen level. Floating plants like Duckweed grow very quickly so you probably want to avoid that and stick to plants like Water Lettuce, Bladder Wart, Water Soldier, Water Hyacinths and Water Chestnut

Marginal plants like Sweet Flag, Golden Buttons, Marsh Marigolds, Japanese Arrowhead, and Lobelia grow in the shallows around the edge of your pond and depths of 2 inches to 1 foot. Cattails are also a marginal plant but they can be very invasive so you probably want to avoid those unless you plan to spend a lot of time weeding your pond.

Bog plants like Astilbe, Primula and Lysimachia grow at the very edge of the pond in the wet soil. they are important as they help siphon off surplus nutrients which allows control of algae growth thus keeping your pond clear.

When I started in the waterfall and pond design & construction business in January of 1982, I was asking the same question. I had a slight advantage over most when it came to answering the question, “Which pump do I use?”

I came out of the energy conservation field, so I was already savvy about energy consumption topics.

It was a challenge in the seventies, when I was trying to convince people that they should buy the Mitsubishi compact fluorescent bulb to save energy. This was the first of its kind and it retailed for $12 to $14. Its lumen or light output was equal to a 60-watt incandescent bulb, which sold for $ .60 in most stores. I needed to convince the engineer at Betty Ford Hospital that a $12, 12-watt bulb would save the facility $35,000 a year in electrical costs. I did so, and it did!

Pumps are no different when it comes to performance vs. energy consumption. The rule of thumb is: If an electrical appliance was engineered to be used only occasionally, as opposed to continually, rest assured, it is not engineered or built with the highest industry standards in mind.

Sump pumps were designed to be submerged underwater and pump that water to a different location. Their most common uses are in basements, bunkers, bilges, and that sort of thing. These pumps would only come on by demand, when a float control indicated a high water level.

Sump pumps were cheap to buy because they were built cheaply. It did not matter that they consumed more energy than the more expensive centrifugal pump, since they only came on occasionally.

These pumps turned out to be perfect for the get-rich-quick liner pond industry for three major reasons:

They were cheap to buy, as were the liners;

They were simple to install; and

They were easy to hide.

One major drawback of sump pumps that the liner pond industry does not share with their clients is that they are literally energy sponges. But then, that is not the only thing they forget to mention to their usually innocent and unsuspecting clients.

These easy-to-install, easy-to-make-a-killing liners that come with a 20-50 year warranty (against factory defects only) are actually a meal down the road to a burrowing gopher, rat, mouse, ground squirrel, chipmunk or muskrat.

How do I know? I replace liners with concrete and rebar for a living and I ask if the customer if the liner salesman told them the pros and cons about the liner. (Most cons don’t!)

Besides a sump pump costing twice as much to operate than a high efficiency, centrifugal pump, they plug up easily. (By the way, the liner guys changed the name to a “submersible pump” and they are now using the term “waterfall pump.”) Concrete and rebar constructed ponds with bottom anti-vortex drains seldom, if ever, plug up.

In the industry magazine, Water Garden News, the vice president of product management for the Aquascape Company stated,

A lot of the time, the more energy efficient the [sump] pump, the less solids and debris it can handle. So often the consumer is excited the pump will only cost them $10 a month to run, but what they did not know is that they are going to have to be out there 3 times a week, cleaning the intake of the [sump] pump to keep it going.

Water Garden News is a trade magazine that is for manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers in the water garden industry. This information was not meant for the consumers’ eyes. Until now!

Read my article entitled Pondless Waterfall: Concrete vs. Pond Liner ; ezinearticles.com. I cover the subject in depth, and expose the truth about pond liner promoters. All of the costs involved in building a pondless waterfall are analyzed by comparing the two techniques: using concrete & rebar or a rubber liner.

The difference in the cost of energy consumption between a 5700 gallon per hour sump pump and a 5800 gallon per hour high-efficiency centrifugal pump is staggering. The sump pump uses twice as much energy, costs $171 more to purchase, and its warranty is 6 months less! Look before you leap and research before you weep.

Happy koi, peace and joy.

A pond is not only a stunning garden feature but is also a wonderful wildlife habitat, attracting birds, insects and many other animals.

Building a pond from scratch can seem a daunting task however it need not be, having the correct equipment and understanding what form of pond will suit your needs is half the battle.

The first thing to consider when you build a pond is where it will be located, try to view where the pond will be from many different angles, try looking from an upstairs window also, use what ever you have to mark out a make believe pond so you can see it from different angles.

You need to consider the size of your pond, this will be affected by the size of your garden and what you are considering to have in the pond. A larger pond would be needed for larger fish such as koi carp where as a smaller pond would suit goldfish or if the pond was just for newts and frogs.

Once you have defined the parameter of the pond (this is often done with string or hosepipe) and you are happy with the size and positioning you will need to excavate the area. Dig out the turf and keep going until the required depth is achieved, remember to remove any sharp stones or large lumps of mud.

When digging the pond it is recommended that you leave one side with a slop so any animals that accidentally fall in have a way of getting out, it is also a place where you fish can bask in the sun.

Once you have dug the pond you will need to lay a base, if you decide to use concrete then you will need to add some sort of wire to it to bind it together and prevent it from cracking, sand is another option, lay a layer of sand around the hole you have dug, this will protect the pond liner and help to prevent it from being punctured.Adding a layer of old carpet adds to this protection.

Once the base has been laid you need to position your pond liner, this will require some help depending on the size of your pond. Ask a friend to help with this part, hold each end and lay over the hole you have dug out, take care not to damage the liner by dragging it over rough ground or sharp stones.

Once the liner is in place secure the sides with some bricks and most importantly leave plenty of overlap.

Once the liner is in place it is time to start to fill your pond, as the pond is being filled it is important to pull the edges of the liner so it fits neatly in the contours of the pond.

Keep adding water until the pond is full then cut away any excess liner leaving an overlap large enough to lay slabs or turf on to keep in place.

Stand back and have a look at what you have created!, Now you have the job of decided which fish and plants you will add and position around your new pond.

Do you think that your flower garden needs a little more drama? Consider adding a fountain water feature. Installing a water fountain is really not all that difficult, and the upkeep is minimal.

I love to sit by my fountain and relax with a good book — or even just watch the birds taking a bath. Hummingbirds, especially, like to take water fountain “showers.” So, if you add chemicals to prevent the green algae, be sure that it won’t harm the birds.

Since we live in southern California, our water fountain is surrounded by tropical plants and flowers. The types of plants that you use will be determined by the location that you live in.

When you add a water feature to your garden, consider the type of garden that you have. A natural rock waterfall might fit your theme better than a stand-alone fountain.

If you are having trouble deciding what kind of water feature would be best for your type of garden, go to the library and look at some gardening design books and magazines. I’m sure you’ll find a few that you like and that would be suitable for your area. Also looking online for ideas is a good choice.

You can have your water feature be part of a pond for a more natural look. If you have a formal garden, the pond would most likely be made up of concrete. Less formal gardens would do well with rock or brick. Pond liners can be purchased that can make your pond look more natural.

Be sure that you have access to electrical power before you make your final decision on the placement of your water feature. You can have an electrician add an outlet to a building or patio structure that is close to your garden. There are also extension cords available that are meant to be buried under your garden or lawn soil.

Water fountains and waterfalls are known for their soothing qualities. Doing yoga exercises near the sound of water falling helps to concentrate your positive energy. You can meditate to the quite beauty of sight and sound or just sit and relax.

There is something else that you should think about when deciding whether or not to add a water feature to your yard or garden. Some of your closer neighbors might not agree that the sounds made by your water feature are soothing. However, most people will appreciate it.

So, if you’re looking for a way to give your yard or garden more beauty and drama, think about adding a water fountain. It’s not as expensive have you would think it would be and the beauty it provides is worth the minimal cost of the installation.

Water features bring plenty of beauty and serenity as a focal point to a yard. Using a pond in your landscaping design will provide interest, attract wildlife and even become a home for fish that you might choose to keep. Water features are becoming increasing popular, so finding ideas on ponds in landscaping books and on websites does not require much searching.

Once you have decided to add a pond to your landscape design, you will begin the process of selection to ensure that your pond is functional as well as beautiful. The first choice you must make is the location of your pond in your landscape plan. Keep in mind that most ponds require some digging, so stay away from underground utility lines. You also want to avoid placing your pond underneath trees, unless you happen to like fishing leaves out of the water in the fall! Too much direct sunlight can contribute to an algae problem in your pond, so a location that receives filtered light or some shade is preferable.

Materials For Landscaping Your Pond

Once your location has been determined for your pond, you will need to look into materials to create your water feature. Fiberglass shells are extremely popular for ponds since they are easy to install and even easier to maintain. The shells come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be found at your local garden store.

Of course, once the shell for your pond is in place, landscaping around the pond is an important consideration. Rocks and plants can create a lovely backdrop for the water and finish off a restful oasis for you to enjoy. Lighting your pond landscape can be another consideration if you would like to enjoy your water feature after dark. Include seating nearby so you and guests can have the pleasure of conversation in a serene setting.

If you want to maintain the charm of your setting, you will need to keep your pond clean and algae free. One way that you can keep your pond water clear is to place gravel at the bottom of your pond. Gravel provides a biological filter for your water as well as protection and stability for your pond liner. You can also bring plants into your pond landscape.

Aquatic plants will provide shade, food and shelter for any critters that make your pond their home. Even algae are a good aquatic plant to include – as long as they don’t get out of control. Finally, the type of water you fill your pond with will affect the ease of maintenance. Before you grab that hose, know that tap water has minerals that could encourage the growth of algae. Contact your garden center for advice on filling your pond, but keep in mind that rainwater is really the best source.

A pond adds beauty to a landscape, as well as providing a haven for wildlife. With proper planning, a pond landscape can be low maintenance as well as an attractive water feature for your yard.

The spring pond season is an exciting time especially after a long, cold winter. Many pond and water gardeners are anxious to experiment and try out new products and techniques for a refreshing new look. But for many, spring also means the arrival of the dreaded “spring green.” The warmer temperatures and longer days create conditions ideal for algae that turn your pond into pea soup.

The following spring algae-busting tips will help you enjoy your outdoor space throughout the summer without having to constantly worry about algae.

Get a jump start

Once algae take hold, they seem nearly impossible to rid. This may be the case if conditions that encourage aggressive algae growth are not addressed in a prompt manner. Simplify algae control by getting a jump-start. Take steps to keep algae growth under control as soon as possible – don’t wait until the water turns murky green.

Reduce algal nutrients

Control aggressive algae growth by reducing nutrients available to algae. Replace chemical filter media such as activated carbon on a regular basis and use products designed to eliminate phosphate, the main algal nutrient. Consider taking a multiple approach using Barley Straw products or products designed to limit algae growth.

Increase aeration

When the pond ice has thawed, increase pond oxygen levels with aeration devices. It is one of the easiest ways to improve water quality and curb conditions that encourage aggressive algae growth. Well-oxygenated water not only allows beneficial bacteria to process organic waste materials more efficiently, it also reduces carbon dioxide that feed algae. When using aerators during spring, it is important to place these devices close to the water surface. Even if the air temperature is quite warm, the water temperature may still be significantly cold. Aeration devices placed deep in the pond can churn the cold water, creating stressful conditions for your pond fish.

Bacterial additives for spring

After a cold winter, the reduced numbers of beneficial bacteria begin to slowly increase. Give these helpful bacteria a boost and replenish their populations by adding a spring or coldwater bacterial formula for efficient biological filtration. Remove leaves and large organic debris to accelerate the decomposition of these materials.

Monitor fish food

Do not feed your fish until water temperatures are consistently above 50ºF. Once water temperatures stay above 50ºF, start feeding your fish wheat germ food. These low-protein, cool water foods are easier to digest and help minimize waste. Switch to a staple or growth food when water temperatures remain above 70ºF. Give your fish just enough food they can finish within a few minutes and remove any uneaten food.

UV clarifiers

Early spring is the perfect time to install an ultraviolet clarifier. These units emit germicidal ultraviolet light similar to sunlight (UVC) to help clarify green water associated with free-floating algae. When the water temperature is consistently above 45ºF, start up your filter along with a UV clarifier to maintain clean, clear water. If you already have a UV clarifier, spring is the perfect time to install a new UV lamp for optimum results throughout the season.

Regrettably, no one coming from the interior design and gardening world ever gets its terms they use approved by an English major. We could then point out that the “water ponds is just a little redundant. It begs the question; do we really need the “water” part? Wouldn’t that be implied? The ashes of all English BA degrees?

Deep Breath Before The Plunge

If you look for do it yourself stores and businesses, you will discover that ponds are very often referred to as “water ponds”. If you wish to have someone to comprehend your question, you may have to swallow your grammatical pride and inquire about “water ponds”.

Some professional people break “water ponds” down into specific categories, for instance “garden water ponds”, “fresh water ponds”, “standing water ponds”, but still there are those two words glaring back at you in the face “water ponds”. You may as well call Mark Spitz a “water swimmer”.

Okay, I’ve Got a Theory

Granted, there are more subjects in this world to become worked up over, yet if you are in the communication field and the need to communicate in an effective way it is imprinted in every cell in your body. The phrase “water ponds” makes the entire cells shake and go. “Ack!”

Where and when did you begin to call “ponds” “water ponds”? Could it be that the majority of kids nowadays grow up not realizing what a pond actually is? Possibly. The Department of the interior has estimated in 1997 that over 17,000 acres of wetland were lost each year. And that’s only in the United States.

The reality is the loss of wetland happens everywhere, except possibly Antarctica, which is having it’s own issues of glacial loss, but that’s a different article. Can it be that the word “ponds” is steadily becoming just as rare as what is represents?

Ponds used to be thought to be an everyday word. This takes into account that it was before the skincare cream of the same name appeared on the market. Everybody knew of a nearby pond. Heck, every kid and his brother knew of what a “pond” was. However, now the word “pond” appears to be departing from the collective unconscious. The fact that if you go and Google “water ponds” you will come up with over 17,100 web pages showing some linguistic tide has turned.

English is a living language that thrives and lives completely on living things. As living things, we all grow, change and adapt. What was self-explanatory the day before now requires reclassification today, and vice-versa.

So, in conclusion, the prominence of the term “water ponds” in daily English should be a warning that we are about to loose a significant element in the real environment as well as the subliminal environment – the pond.